9 Slow-Paced Small Towns in South Dakota Where Life Is Still Simple
South Dakota is just full of charming small towns. Vermillion is a beautiful town to visit, the little town of Sturgis is one of the coolest in the country, and Deadwood is just full of history. Many of these towns are small, but they do tend to fill with tourists during the summer months. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful town where you feel some solitude (and also some great community spirit), here are nine small-paced towns to check out.
Dell Rapids is only about 20 miles from Sioux Falls - a little town in close proximity to South Dakota's biggest. This community-oriented town of 3,600 or so people offers plenty to see and do. Don't miss a visit to Historic Main Street, which was built back in 1888.
Garretson is a thriving little town with about 1,200 residents. The town has a cool history and celebrates it with Jesse James Days every June. The Split Rock River and several gorgeous parks make this little town particularly scenic.
The tiny town of Gary only has about 250 residents, so if you're looking for a peaceful, quiet place this might be it. Of course, if you visit on a day when there's a cattle drive right through the middle of town, it might not be as quiet! You'll find Gary along the eastern border of South Dakota.
Hot Springs is located in the Black Hills, so it's surrounded by some of South Dakota's most beautiful scenery. You'll find lots of recreation opportunities here, from Angostura Reservoir, Evans Plunge Mineral Springs and the nearby wild horse sanctuary.
Lead is located just south of Deadwood in the Black Hills. It's home to around 3,000 people, and it's a tight-knit community with a rich, well-preserved history.
The charming little town of Lemmon is home to the world's largest petrified wood park, which is free for visitors to wander through at their leisure. The town also hosts The Boss Cowman Rodeo and Celebration every July, which is one of the state's largest.
Parker is a small town with less than 1,000 residents, and you'll love a visit to this quiet little town. It's the county seat of Turner County and hosts the County Fair - the oldest of its kind in South Dakota.
1,400 people call Platte home, and they're some of the nicest folks you'll meet. Just a few miles from Lake Francis Case, this friendly little town is a great place for recreation including fishing, hiking, hunting and more.
Pickstown is located in the southeastern part of the state, near the Nebraska border. It's a truly tiny town with less than 200 residents, and it has some truly beautiful views.
What’s your favorite slow-paced South Dakota town?
Here are seven more towns that are peaceful and quiet.
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